Desserts-Only at Full-Service Restaurants

[disneyluvr913]

I don't want to spend a lot of money on food. (With a big family, we tend to eat a lot. It can get pretty expensive.) But I still want to try out some of the nice full-service restaurants. Is it okay/acceptable to make ADRs and go to the restaurants for dessert only? Would CMs be okay with that? Does anyone have any experience going to restaurants only for dessert?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Puffy2]

I plan on doing exactly this on my next visit - the Brown Derby for grapefruit cake. I tried to get in to have some one mid afternoon - no dice (no reservations left) . I even tried to get some "to go" ...CM's wouldn't do that either and even laughed at the thought of it. So, have it their way, next time I'll have a reservation and that's exactly what I'm ordering - grapefruit cake and coffee and something for my DD.

 

[shellybaxter]

Some people have reported being turned away from resturants (I want to say it was the Yaghtsman Steakhouse) when just wanting desserts, even with an ADR. I would ask disney dinning when making the adr

 

[BonnieA]

I've been to Sci Fi a few times for dessert only (milkshake). I go at off times, like around 3pm, and I've never had a problem nor an ADR.

 

[slcmkh]

Went to SciFi once at late dinner time and ordered only shakes and fries. The server treated us poorly and the quantity of fries per serving was significantly less than the fry servings at the next table, where my brother and his family were sitting and had ordered full meals. We felt like the waitstaff was unhappy with us for not ordering full meals.

I would go to SciFi at off times like the poster suggested above, during which there would probably be less consternation on the part of the wait staff when you order only desert.

 

[emma'smom]

I made ADR's at primetime for next month for milkshakes and snacks. To be honest, the main courses don't really look at that special. It seems like the kind of stuff I cook at home...but we do want to try the atmosphere!

 

[disneyluvr913]

Hmm...it seems like so far people have not had very good experiences with just ordering desserts at full-service restaurants. Thanks for the replies and keep them coming!

 

[La2kw]

I plan on doing exactly this on my next visit - the Brown Derby for grapefruit cake. I tried to get in to have some one mid afternoon - no dice (no reservations left) . I even tried to get some "to go" ...CM's wouldn't do that either and even laughed at the thought of it. So, have it their way, next time I'll have a reservation and that's exactly what I'm ordering - grapefruit cake and coffee and something for my DD.

You can get grapefruit cake at Starring Rolls Bakery. Just ask and they will get you a slice from the Brown Derby kitchen.

 

[Syrreal]

I've actually done it a few times. The ones that are popping into my head right now are desserts at the Plaza in MK, Alfredos, Kona... Never really had any problems at all.

 

[DVC Sadie]

I know the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort didn't allow one table to order dessert only. They wanted to just sit and see fireworks. That was the first time I had ever seen Disney discourage dessert only eaters.

 

[Puffy2]

If it's a policy then they need to STATE it up front...otherwise, what business is it of their's what we order..or don't .

 

[shellybaxter]

If it's a policy then they need to STATE it up front...otherwise, what business is it of their's what we order..or don't .

Puffy I don't disagree that a policy should be stated unfront. But I can understand why a restuarant like the Cali Grill would not be willing to fill one of its tables with dessert only diners during fireworks time. At the most a dessert only table of four will probably spend $50.00 (unless they order expensive dessert wine). In order to get a table at firework time they will likely be seated an hour to an hour and a half before the fireworks. So even though dessert only service should be faster and allow for more turn over, it won't as the dessert only group will "nurse" their coffee and dessert until the fireworks begin.

That same table, for the same hour and a half time frame, could service a four person dinner party. That party, with apps and dessert, will likely spend $200 plus. Which makes more financial sense for the restaurant? The Cali Grill management likely staff based on a budget projection with X amont of dinner services per night.

As a diner I can completely understand why the Cali Grill wouldn't let me take up their tables for dessert only during prime dinner time. That is why I would suggest that a diner ask when making the ADRs or call the restuarant directly and ask. Resturants like Sci Fi and Whispering Canyon seem to be more willing and able to accept dessert only parties.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

If it's a policy then they need to STATE it up front...otherwise, what business is it of their's what we order..or don't .

It is their business.

As long as you don't stiff the waitstaff by holding a table. Tip based on what a full or close to full meal would cost and you should be fine.